Even if they’d had a month more, Zachariah would have thought it too short. Normally, he would have been itching to return to his shop, but, this time, he knew he was going to miss their excursion more. He was going to miss Jo.

A week ago, he could have convinced himself that he would be content alone, just as he always had been, his only true companions books. He had never expected to have delved so deep. He never expected his budding affections to be reciprocated, and then some.

While he had found love in Rosie, Jo felt different. Her adventurous nature brought out a side of him that he scarcely knew existed. The ease in which they could converse about topics they mutually enjoyed was something he had yet to find even in friendship. Her passion for life and love was infectious. He couldn’t bear to let her go, yet they’d run out of time.

"We will, and, if you want for anything, I will make sure it reaches you."

How he wished they could linger and not return to their lives. But what sort of existence would it be if they both gave up their passions? Perhaps, he could delegate more to his workers to allow him the opportunity to travel more. It would afford them more time, but it would also mean pulling Jo away from her own work. That wouldn’t do.

Now, all they were left with were letters to cling to. Would that be enough?